Provision And Providence

The Books of Ruth and Esther

Plot

Romance, drama, intrigue, swift moving action and interestion personalities are all found in the Books of Ruth and Esther. This Bible study promises to be an exciting and interesting one.
The only two books in the Bible named after women, they testify to God's goodness during difficult times. Ruth lived during the dark days of the Judges when Isreal was far away from God and sin was rampant. Esther lived during the days of the Captivity when many of God's people were out of their land. However, God's providential care is very evident as He worked in and through these two women.
Since these two books are short - Ruth has only four chapters and Ester, ten - you shouyld be able to read through them several times. Read each one completely through in on sitting at least once. This will give you an overall view and will help you to fit each week's study into the context.
Read, reread and mediate on the weekly Bible portions listed at the beginning of each chapter. Dig into the Word, and let God speak to you personally. Use a Bible dictionary and/commentary to help you understand such concepts as the kinsman-redeemer. Memorizing the weekly verse or verses will help you to apply the lessons to your life.
As you study, make your own comparisons and applications to today. Surely we live in sinful days too, but our lives can also be testimonies to God's care for and goodness to His own. Remember that Ruth and Esther were not superhuman women but people who walked with God and allowed Him to use them. He can do the same for you today.